Sumter-based group to host breast cancer awareness event on Oct. 1
To kick-start breast cancer awareness month, Sumter-based support group Faith Strong Inc. will host a "Pink in the City" event to raise awareness and funds for women diagnosed with breast cancer.
The color pink will be worn with pride on Saturday, Oct. 1, as attendees fill the Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St., from 1-5 p.m. in support of breast cancer survivors and patients alike in the Sumter area and beyond.
Faith Strong is a nonprofit support group that provides relational, emotional and spiritual support to breast cancer thrivers, survivors and metavivors while advocating and educating the community about breast cancer. The organization also donates "Bags of Faith" to those undergoing radiation treatment and writes encouraging letters to women diagnosed all over the country.
Founder Tamerkia Ross, along with her "Breasties," created Pink in the City to be a free, family event to raise awareness of the disease. She is a metavivor, diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic breast cancer.
Pink in the City will include live entertainment, vendors and resources for all in attendance. The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the "Faith Strong Co-Authors," more than 15 women impacted by breast cancer who will share their diagnosis journeys.
"Their writings will cultivate a deeper sense of self, build character and provide hope for the individuals impacted by breast cancer," Ross said in a news release.
Ross and the Faith Strong family are asking residents and businesses to join the cause and paint the city pink beginning Oct. 1.
"We want to see pink lights and bows prominently displayed on houses and business, as well as pink clothing and pins worn proudly on Oct. 1," Ross said.
The event will also mark the group's third year operating and will raise money for projects supporting Breasties in the Carolinas and beyond.
"Our goal for this year is to raise at least $10,000," Ross said. "The funds raised will go towards our support services that assist breast cancer patients with obtaining items not readily available to them without financial assistance. It will also support our Mentor Program, Treatment Comfort Kits, Community Outreach and the Love Mail Initiative."
That goal has already been halfway met ahead of the Pink in the City event thanks to Jason T. Mahoney, a proud supporter of the Faith Strong support group. He presented the organization with a $5,000 check on Sept. 10.
Mahoney, who is also a co-host with Faith Strong and sponsor of Pink in the City, collaborated with the organization through his passion for the cause; his sister, MaryAnn Williams, is a metavivor, too. He has also assisted the organization as a project manager and sponsor in a few of Faith Strong's projects.
"I encourage everyone to support this organization," Mahoney said, "as breast cancer has no name, no age and no race. All of these women represent our mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, daughters, nieces and friend girls. Therefore, we must be there for them."
To learn more about Faith Strong, Inc., visit www.wearefaithstrong.com.